The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Steering box?

New member here. I have a 1948 GMC 1/2 ton.

I am having problems with my steering sticking at half turn. I tried adjusting the lash screw with no results. I don't want to turn it too far, so it wouldn't fall apart.
I've been running this truck steadily for 28 years. I'm thinking it's needing to be rebuilt or replaced.

I am looking for any advice, articles and images relating to rebuilding my steering box. I've never done this before. I found a rebuild kit at Jim Carter.

So far I found this link which will be very helpful
Chevy Truck steering Box Rebuild

Once the column and box are loose, does the whole thing slide downward?

Thanks!

Before you rebuild the steering box, go over the steering linkage from stem to stern. You may find your problem there rather than in the box.

Just to add to above advice, the old style steering joints can wear so that the balls are egg shaped. That could cause what you are experiencing.

Thank you guys. Will check it out.

The balls weren't too bad, but I will replace them anyway while it's already apart.
I moved the main steering arm by hand. It sounded like gravel inside the box, then it stuck again.

I took the box out and took it apart.
Loose bearings everywhere, along with metal shards inside the main gear area. The main gear teeth are OK.
This is what the worm box looks like: http://postimg.org/image/sv4yijrf5/ - the bearing cases aren't any good.

Question: Is the main corkscrew shaft supposed to be in two pieces like this? it looks like it may have broke apart. There was no force or pressure when it came apart, and steering was still turning the wheels prior to removing the box: http://postimg.org/image/y1kbz0gib/ - http://postimg.org/image/sj9q0k6tt/

Waiting for the rebuild kit in the mail. Still looking for replacement bearing cases.

Thanks!

No, it is broken. I think you are very lucky to have not had a disaster.

Saw a few steering gears and boxes on ebay or you could post a request on this forum under "truck parts wanted" As noted above you were very lucky!

You can also check out hyster/forklift parts houses. Some of them still use the same boxes as are on these trucks.

Jim Carters is now selling replacement steering shafts and ball nuts. He had one at a show I was today. Might be expensive, but it would be brand new. If you can find another truck in the same age group, rob the parts from it. I used a 2 ton shaft for may 1/2 gear box by cutting a section out of the shaft to shorten back to the correct length. The boxes were all the same, the shaft length is what they changed.

Joe

If the balls in your steering joints look OK, replacing them would be a lot of work for nothing. Also, I question the quality of the new balls. There is a post on here somewhere where one of the new ones was hit with a hammer and it shattered like glass.

Sorry for the delay. I figured it was broken.

Looks like I will be looking for a whole steering unit. If not rebuilt, a good used one.
Calling Jim Carter tomorrow. Thanks Joe H.

Thanks for the input guys!

If you want a rebuilt one, look at Rockuto.com

They use a well-known rebuilder (Lares Corporation) and Rockauto's shipping cost is relatively low.

Rockauto does not list a rebuilt unit for '48 GMC, but they list one for '48 Chevrolet truck. I think GMC & Chevrolet used the same steering gear?

Yes they are the same. As long as it's a 1/2 ton.

I just checked RockAuto. They have a rebuild service for the steering box. But my main shaft broke in half. So I need to start with a whole used column and box to use and/or rebuild.
I may have one lined up, waiting to hear back from the guy.

Thanks tclederman.